US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India for three days, with trade negotiations, energy security and bilateral relations on the agenda.
He is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai on Tuesday, amid tensions over visa restrictions and tariff threats.
The discussions are expected to cover energy, trade and investment, defence, critical and emerging technologies, the India-US strategic partnership and regional stability.
The meeting is also expected to lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to the US for the G20 leaders’ summit in December.
Rubio said on Monday that Washington and New Delhi were close to finalising a trade agreement, though its terms and completion date have not been announced.
Ahead of the visit, Rubio acknowledged India’s dependence on Russian energy, saying countries could face difficulties switching suppliers quickly.
He described India as an important US partner and said Washington was assessing the economic implications of potential sanctions and tariffs.
His comments followed US President Donald Trump’s decision to waive certain sanctions linked to Russian fuel sales.
Rubio also cited pressures on global energy supplies arising from tensions involving Iran, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and strikes on energy infrastructure during the Russia-Ukraine war.
During his Mumbai visit, Rubio is scheduled to pay tribute to victims of terrorism at the Taj Memorial, attend a reception at the Jio World Convention Centre and travel to Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday.
The choice of Mumbai, rather than Delhi, also provides an opportunity to engage with India’s business community.
